Massagetherapie.
The information portal on massage therapy and massages

Find out about the possibilities of treating your muscle problems with massage. Do you complain about muscle pain and think that physiotherapy has too little effect?
An experienced massage therapist/(sports) masseur will not only relieve your aches and pains, but in many cases help you get rid of them. If your pain has been there for a long time, the likelihood of it going away on its own is low. The Dorn Method and Breuss massage can also be part of an effective treatment.

What kind of aches and pains can massage therapy treat?

Back, neck and shoulder problems
Radiation pain
Nerve pain
Headaches

Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands
Tingling or numbness in legs and feet
Tennis elbow / Golfer's elbow

Muscle pain
Whiplash discomfort
Fibromyalgia (reduce pain)

Osteoarthritis (reduce pain when moving)
Leg length discrepancy
(After) Treatment of sports injuries

A massage therapist works in a very different way than a physical therapist. Many people do not experience the treatment as pleasant, but after the treatment they feel less pain and can move better. People who suffer from fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis, for example, also have relief from their symptoms and get through the day or week with less pain. More and more young adults are coming to a massage therapist for back, shoulder, neck and arm problems caused by prolonged sitting behind the computer. Depending on the location of the pain in the body, you will be treated on a comfortable massage table or on a special chair for chair massage.
The massage can be combined with a hot stone treatment. This has a relaxing effect and can enhance your body's recovery or healing process.

What is the best oil for a massage?

Oil is especially essential in a massage; although talcum powder and liniments are also sometimes used. For most of us, massage and oil go hand in hand. Oil is an excellent way to minimize friction between the skin and the hands. Different oils have their own benefits, and choosing the right one is essential for an effective massage.

So here are some of the most appropriate body massage oils for a rejuvenating therapeutic massage.

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    Sesame Oil

    Sesame oil is the oil of Ayurveda for body massage. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine texts, including the Charak Samhita, describe sesame oil as the best massage oil for humans. It has a high nutritional value and is very effective in strengthening the structure of the body, including tendons, muscles and ligaments. It is known to nourish and detoxify, and relieve poor circulation, anxiety, bloating, excessive dryness and constipation. Daily massage with warm sesame oil is recommended by Ayurveda for maximum benefits.

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    Sunflower Oil

    Sunflower oil is very good for the complexion and the body. It is an oil that is easily absorbed by the skin to provide softness and help repair the skin's moisture barrier. Gentle enough for the delicate skin of the face, it is a light but effective oil that helps to plump the skin and smooth its appearance.
    Sunflower oil's rich, moisturizing action and easy, pleasant "glide" make it a popular massage oil, as well as an ideal carrier oil for aromatherapy treatments.

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    Sweet Almond Oil

    Sweet Almond Oil is widely used for massage, given its perfect attributes. That every body massage oil must have. Sweet Almond Oil melts smoothly into the skin, without being absorbed too quickly. It maintains hydration for a long time but its texture is light and fine.

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    Apricot Kernel Oil

    Apricot kernel massage oil is very well absorbed by the skin, which avoids any greasy feeling. This property makes it an excellent oil to use for massages.
    Apricot kernel massage oil is a good alternative to sweet almond oil.

Swedish Massage Techniques

By the end of this video, you should feel comfortable and competent in giving a relaxation massage to anyone! Today I am going to be reviewing Swedish Massage Techniques: Rocking, Compressions, Stroking, Petrissage, Shaking, Tapotement. Apply these techniques to the back, legs, arms, and neck for an amazing full body relaxation massage

Massage Oils, Lotions or Creams - What should I choose?

Just as varied as the different massage therapy techniques are the massage lotions, creams and oils you will likely incorporate into your practice. Not to mention massage gels and foot massage creams. And you'll need to know the difference and best use of each.

Massage oils generally glide on longer than lotions or creams and also dissolve more slowly into the skin. While better suited for some types of massage than others, using an oil over a lotion or cream may be a simple matter of personal preference - yours and theirs.

Massage lotion has the shortest glide and is the most absorbent of the three, making it ideal for true deep tissue massage. The lotions will give you the ability to maintain the best grip and apply the most pressure on your client and allow you to penetrate deeper into their muscles to release tension.

The massage cream, on the other hand, is a balance between the other two. It penetrates less quickly than lotion and offers less glide than oil. You will find creams perfect for relieving muscle pain and injuries.

A quality massage gel can be seed oil based and offer more coverage than your standard massage oils. This can be essential for longer massages, such as Swedish, hot stone, sports massage and physical therapy, as there is no need for reapplication. The sensation remains light and you get a long glide without any greasy after-effects.

Such a vast choice can seem overwhelming. By taking the time to understand the fundamentals of each massage technique and how different massage lubricants lend themselves to these specific disciplines, you will open up tremendous possibilities for you and your business.

How to choose the right massage oil?

Choosing the right massage oil can be a daunting task, especially with all the brands and types of massage oils out there. Does viscosity matter? Is there a certain type of oil that works better for certain massages? And what about having different oils on hand in case a patient has an allergic reaction? There are so many questions and ways to evaluate a wide range of oils that many massage therapists don't know where to start.

How do you find the right massage oil for your practice and your clients' needs?

We will share with you the results of our research. We have tested many, many massage oils, both as masseurs and as patients receiving the massage.
Of course, we have rejected all unnatural oils, such as esterified oils, those containing silicones, preservatives, chemical perfumes.

Among all the natural and organic massage oils that we have tested, we have selected an oil of very high quality. We found it on a French website. It is an organic massage oil, a professional neutral base formulated and manufactured by a Doctor of Pharmacy. This neutral massage oil is a synergy of 4 organic vegetable oils: Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Sesame and Sunflower.
This oil has the right density and viscosity for massage. It is not drying, is well absorbed by the skin, has a pleasant neutral odor, and moisturizes the skin well.
It is therefore a wise choice to get the most out of your body massages.

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    What is the difference between light and heavy oils?

    Heavier massage oils, such as olive oil, are typically used for low-friction types of massage, such as Swedish or relaxation massages. At the same time, olive oil will not be absorbed by the skin as quickly as other lighter oils. In contrast, lighter oils, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, are designed to absorb much more easily into the skin, so the massage therapist's hands won't slip as much and will be able to apply more pressure to the patient's body. Lighter massage oils are best used for chiropractic, sports and deep tissue massage.

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    Can I use a different oil for different occasions?

    Yes, you can! Don't be afraid to experiment with oils as you work. Keep in mind that each oil has its own properties and is therefore intended for specific uses. When you take inventory of your oils, you will be able to better plan which massage oil will work best for a certain appointment. For example, if you are doing a relaxation massage or other similar low-friction massage, use a thicker oil and advise your patient to consider showering a few hours after the massage. Because of the heaviness and stickiness of the oil, it is most often used by massage therapists who work in spas or offices with attached showers.

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    Should I use a scented oil or not?

    This is a matter of client preference. Some clients may have allergies not only to the components of the oil, but also to its scent. To be safe, every massage practice should be equipped with at least one unscented, non-allergic oil to work with all clients who walk through your doors.

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    Can massage oil relieve pain?

    Yes! Not only is a standard massage excellent for relieving pain or inflammation, but depending on the oil you use, you can increase your client's chances of achieving longer lasting results. Many massage practitioners use arnica-based oils to help patients with pain. Historically, these types of oils have proven to be very effective on patients with sports-related injuries, making them very popular in the chiropractic and sports massage world.

Learning the properties of certain massage oils will make a huge difference in how you conduct your business. When you know your oil, you know how to meet the needs of your clients.

Summary of the different techniques used in massage therapy

Massage therapy is a very broad term. For massage therapists, there are many avenues and opportunities to practice their craft. There are many different styles of massage. As a trained and licensed massage therapist, you will likely be drawn to a few styles or techniques and build your practice around those that fit your personality or work philosophy. However, a solid educational foundation in the various techniques is a necessity if you want to have a positive impact with your touch.

The different styles of massage include, but are obviously not limited to: Swedish, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, Reflexology and Shiatsu. Each has its own benefits and creates a different experience for your client and yourself. It is important to understand the difference between these different techniques.

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    Swedish massage

    Swedish massage is more of a gentle full body approach, perfect for the client who is looking for deep relaxation. It is ideal for people who are new to massage in general, have high levels of tension or are sensitive to touch. For Swedish massage, you will use different combinations of deep swirling strokes and longer flowing strokes, usually towards the heart. You will also use vibration, tapping, kneading and some passive joint movement. This massage usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes.

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    Hot Stone Massage

    Hot stone massage is similar to Swedish massage, where you replace your hands with hot stones or use stones in combination with traditional manual manipulation. Like Swedish massage, hot stone massage is ideal for people who are very tense or those who are looking to relax. The addition of hot stones also helps to relieve muscle pain and improve circulation. In this massage, hot stones are placed in different areas of your client's body, and the therapist also uses them to apply gentle pressure to certain areas. The hot stone massage lasts about the same amount of time as the Swedish massage, but usually costs a little more.

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    Aroma Massage

    Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils. During the massage, these oils are diffused into the air by a diffuser and can also be applied topically to your client. Different oils will evoke different moods and reactions when inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Aromatherapy massages use the pressure and gentle movements of Swedish and hot stone massages, but are often limited to the back, neck and head. The introduction of essential oils into the massage changes the whole mood for your client.

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    Deep Tissue Massage

    As the name implies, deep tissue massage requires more pressure than the other techniques I mentioned. It is perfect for people with chronic muscle pain or aches, and can help relieve anxiety. In this style, you will use shorter, slower strokes and deep pressure to release tension in your client's muscles and connective tissues.

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    Reflexology

    Reflexology may be the best form of massage for clients who don't like to be touched. In reflexology, you will focus on pressure points on the hands, feet and ears. Your client can remain dressed in loose clothing, as long as their legs are accessible. You will apply varying degrees of pressure, from gentle to firm, and this form of therapy usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

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    Shiatsu

    Shiatsu is a type of Japanese massage that uses pulsating and rhythmic movements to relieve stress and anxiety. It is a relaxing form of massage that reduces muscle tension and the pain and pressure of many headaches.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic oil massage offers a unique traditional massage technique that has been practiced by by Indians for thousands of years. It is a massage with multiple benefits. In all Ayurvedic medical treatises, massage appears not only as a body therapy, but especially as a therapy, but especially as a practice of daily life hygiene. In India, the whole society practices Ayurvedic massage

Discover the technique of traditional ayurvedic massage.

5 important tips for a successful massage

  • Don't forget to drink water.

    A massage leaves you dehydrated, which slows down both the blood and lymphatic circulation systems. The lymphatic system, in particular, is not able to flush toxins from your body, which leads to a build-up of toxic substances and defeats the purpose of a detoxifying massage.
    Drink a large glass of water instead.
    Don't replace water with tea, coffee, alcohol or any other beverage. These drinks are diuretic, meaning they make you urinate more, which causes your body to lose more water without giving it the ability to retain fluid.

  • Don't shower immediatly.

    Many clients admit to showering as soon as their massage session is over, mainly to remove the oil. This is a serious mistake. In reality, the massage only warms up the oils, which still need an hour to be absorbed by the skin cells. Let the oils penetrate your skin.
    Instead, wait an hour after the massage before showering.

  • Do not shower in hot water.

    It is tempting to soak in a hot, steamy bath after a long, relaxing massage. This is another bad idea. If you have a muscle injury, hot water will only make the inflammation worse. Use cold water to relieve pain.
    Shower with lukewarm water instead.
    Lukewarm water is the right temperature to relax your body without aggravating your muscles. If you are looking for pain relief, use an ice pack or cold water.

  • Do not eat a large meal after a massage.

    Massages make you hungry. This is due to the increased blood flow, which puts all of your body's systems into high performance mode, including the digestive system. A heavy meal, however, will only make your body sluggish, bloated and lazy, instead of energizing it.
    Eat a light snack instead.
    A light, healthy snack will give you energy and won't weigh down your stomach. Save the heavy meal for later in the day.

  • Don't go out and do anything intense.

    A one-hour massage puts your body and mind in relaxation mode. It's best to let them continue in this state instead of "waking them up". Also, any intense activity, such as working out, can hurt your muscles.
    Do something light instead.
    After a massage, you should try to prolong the feeling of calm. Rest, read a book, relax, do anything that will relax you physically and mentally. It is best to book a massage on a day when you know you will be home for 4-6 hours.

What is the Dorn Method?

The Dorn Method is a simple, quick and easy way to correct any joint in the body where there is pain, difficulty in movement and misalignment.
The Dorn method can be applied, among others, to

  • Leg length differences
  • Pelvic tilt (also sacro-sacral joint)
  • Misalignment of the back and cervical vertebrae
  • Joint complaints in the arms, legs and hands.

Explanation of the Dorn Method

Today there are so many treatment methods that it is almost impossible to know which one to choose. Then there is also the question: which method is the right one for my complaint? Unfortunately, ordinary medicine does not always answer this question correctly. Many people are beginning to realize this and are taking the responsibility themselves to seek a truly effective treatment.

Fortunately, there are many people who care deeply about others. One such person was Dieter Dorn. After an old farmer in a nearby village helped him get rid of his back problems in one treatment, he started using this method himself. This led to the Dorn method that exists today. In Germany, this method is well known and widely accepted because of its simplicity and results. It is a gentle method of correcting displaced vertebrae and massaging the connective tissue. It is ideal for people who do not want to or cannot "squat".

The starting point for the Dorn Method is a leg length discrepancy, a common problem for people with back problems. A difference in leg length does not always have to have an anatomical cause, but can also be caused by a joint that has moved apart. There may even be a difference of several centimeters per leg. This leg length difference can almost always be corrected with the Dorn method. The corrections are always made in motion, which makes it much easier for the body to accept the corrections. External inserts to correct misalignments (shoes) are generally a thing of the past.

Many health problems originate in the back. A displaced vertebra can cause many complaints. Think of stomach aches, bedwetting, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, radiating pain in the arms and legs and many others.
These are usually complaints that are not immediately related to a displaced vertebra. As it is a gentle method, it is very suitable for children and people with poor bone health.

The Dorn Method is almost always accompanied by a massage. The purpose of the massage is to relax the muscles (back, neck and pelvis) in order to facilitate corrections to the back and cervical vertebrae and to prevent the vertebra from falling back into a twisted position.

What is Breuss massage?

Breuss massage is a back massage that specifically targets the intervertebral discs. Breuss massage can be used safely and successfully for severe back pain. In many people with back pain, the intervertebrae of the spine are compressed and slowly degenerate, causing the skeleton to collapse. It is sometimes said that the intervertebras are worn out and there is nothing we can do about it. Breuss massage aims to reduce the pressure and restore the (inter)vertebrae.

Rudolf Breuss discovered that it is not a question of wear and tear. Intervertebral discs can degenerate, but they can also be revitalized with Johannes' oil. Breuss explains this with a comparison to a sponge. When a wet sponge is pressed for a long time, the moisture is removed and the sponge becomes dry and flat. If you then add moisture to the sponge, it regains its shape and elasticity. The same is true for the intervertebral discs: when Johannes oil is massaged into the spine, the intervertebral discs can slowly regenerate (recover), they fill up, expand and become soft and supple again. Breuss massage is used for many problems related to the moving parts of the body, especially in the sacrum area. Breuss massage can also be well combined with Dorn's method, before and after. Breuss massage is recommended as a pre-treatment if the body is too tense for Dorn's method. With Breuss massage after Dorn's treatment, the tension in and around the vertebrae will be reduced, so that physical and energetic blockages can be removed more easily.

What does massage do to your body?

Many coaches, athletes and sports medicine professionals believe, based on observation and encounters, that massage can provide several benefits to the body. These include improved blood circulation, reduced muscle pressure and neurological excitability, and an increased sense of well-being.

Massage can produce mechanical pressure, which is thought to increase muscle mass, compliance, resulting in an increase in joint motion collection, a decrease in non-aggressive stiffness, and a decrease in energetic stiffness, known as biomechanical mechanisms. Mechanized pressure could help improve blood circulation by increasing arteriolar pressure, and accumulating muscle tissue temperature through friction.

With regard to the massage technique, mechanical pressure on the muscle is likely to increase or decrease the excitability of the nervous organs, measured by the H-reflex, which is known as the neurological mechanisms. This results in an increase in parasympathetic activity (measured by heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability) and junk levels (measured simply by cortisol levels after therapeutic massage, which causes a relaxation response), known as physiological mechanisms.

Reduced anxiety and improved mood also cause relaxation, which are known as psychological mechanisms after massage. After exercise, therapeutic massage has been shown to reduce the severity of muscle pain, but massage has no effect on muscle loss.

Understanding the mechanism of exercise-induced muscle soreness and the mechanisms of massage will help in selecting the massage technique, duration and timing of application.

The effects of different types of massage (e.g., kneading, effleurage) or the appropriate timing of massage (pre- or post-exercise) on performance, recovery from injury, or as a method of injury prevention should also be examined. Simply, no published studies have reported the effects of pre-exercise massage around the severity of muscle injury. Massage can increase muscle mass temperature and blood flow, which could help increase muscle compliance and minimize muscle stiffness.

Your questions about the massage


Which massage oil for the back?
Which massage oil for relaxation ?
How to do a good relaxation massage ?

How to learn a massage ?
Is it good to be massaged every day ?
How to become a masseur without a diploma ?

What is the salary of a masseur ?
How to open a massage parlour without a diploma ?
What is the most complete massage ?

What is the best type of massage ?
What type of massage is the most popular ?
How do I give a massage to my wife ?

Why should I get a massage regularly ?
What is the best time of day to get a massage?
Why does it feel good to be massaged?

What is the most gentle massage?
What is the most relaxing massage?